The major components of a generating set are the power unit and the generator; these are considered in the sections titled The Power Unit and Alternating Current Generators which follow. The remaining sections of this chapter are devoted to the many supporting components and systems such as speed governors, voltage regulators, cooling and fuel systems, ventilating and exhaust systems. Many of these components will include a control system which may operate independently or may be linked to other control systems, thus the cooling system will initiate an over-temperature shut down procedure, the mains monitoring system will initiate a starting procedure, and the loss of one set in a multiset installation may initiate load shedding.

The International Standard for diesel driven generating sets is ISO 8528 Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets. This is a comprehensive document containing a wealth of information and well worth studying for anyone wishing to acquire detailed information about generating sets.

There is no equivalent standard for gas turbine driven generating sets.